Ware ‘in awe of' Aggies, Johnny Manziel

By David Barron :
December 1, 2012
: Updated: December 2, 2012 1:13am

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) flexes his knee causing him to get up slowly, taken t the trainers room and put on a brace during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M defensive back Dustin Harris (22) and Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrate after Manziel threw a touchdown pass during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) talks to teammates on the bench during the second quarter of a NCAA football game against Missouri, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles for extra yards in the Missouri defense during the first quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) wiggles out of being tackled by a Missouri defender during the third quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is lifted by the offenseive line after running for a touchdown during the third quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks to see if he crossed the plane as the Missouri defense tries to stop him during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is greeted by fans as he runs off the field after the Aggies beat Missouri, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, in Kyle Field in College Station.

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 is seen during warmups prior to the start of the game against the Missouri Tigers at Kyle Field on November 24, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images)

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 celebrates a first quarter touchdown during their game against the Missouri Tigers at Kyle Field on November 24, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images)

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 celebrates a first quarter touchdown during their game against the Missouri Tigers at Kyle Field on November 24, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks to pass during their game against the Missouri Tigers at Kyle Field on November 24, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs upfield during their game against the Missouri Tigers at Kyle Field on November 24, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images)

Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 rushes for a gain during their game against the Missouri Tigers at Kyle Field on November 24, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Scott Halleran / Getty Images)

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) leaves Sam Houston State's Mike Littleton (27) behind on a run during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (Dave Einsel / Associated Press)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies looks for room to run against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field on November 17, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Bob Levey / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies avoids a tackle by Darius Taylor #36 of the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field on November 17, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Bob Levey / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies rushes against the Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field on November 17, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Bob Levey / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies throws downfield as Jesse Beauchamp #43 of the Sam Houston State Bearkats applies pressure at Kyle Field on November 17, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Bob Levey / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies warms up before playing Sam Houston State Bearkats at Kyle Field on November 17, 2012 in College Station, Texas. (Bob Levey / Getty Images)

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) reacts after missing an extra point out of the hold by Ryan Epperson, center, as Sam Houston State's Gary Lorance (66) defends during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (Dave Einsel / Associated Press)

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel, left, reacts on the bench after leaving the game during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M defeated Sam Houston Stat (AP Photo/Dave Einsel) (Dave Einsel / Associated Press)

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) runs around Sam Houston State's Robert Shaw (23) for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (Dave Einsel / Associated Press)

Photo By Dave Einsel/Associated Press

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel sets to throw a touchdown pass during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel sings "The Spirit of Aggieland" before an NCAA college football game against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (Dave Einsel / Associated Press)

Photo By Dave Einsel/Associated Press

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) leaves Sam Houston State's Mike Littleton (27) behind on a run during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Photo By Dave Einsel/Associated Press

Texas A&M's Johnny Manziel (2) runs around Sam Houston State's Robert Shaw (23) for a touchdown during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is tackled by Alabama defensive back Vinnie Sunseri (3) during the first quarter of a college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, in Tuscaloosa. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is brought down by his face mask by Alabama defensive lineman Damion Square (92) during the first quarter of a college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, in Tuscaloosa. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is brought down by his face mask by Alabama defensive lineman Damion Square (92) during the first quarter of a college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, in Tuscaloosa. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies runs and looks downfield during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2012 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Linebacker Adrien Hubbard #42 of the Alabama Crimson Tide attempts to tackle quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies during the game at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2012 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is stopped after a first down run by Alabama defensive back Dee Milliner (28) and defensive back Vinnie Sunseri (3)during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs through the tackle of Alabama defensive back Deion Belue (13) during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) watches the action prior to the start of an NCAA college football game against top ranked Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) reacts after the Aggies scored their third touchdown of the first quarter against Alabama during the first half of an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is tackled by Alabama defensive back Vinnie Sunseri (3) during the first quarter of a college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium, Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, in Tuscaloosa. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 10: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates after a touchdown during the game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2012 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Photo By Dave Martin/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) reacts at the end of a 29-24 win over Alabama in an NCAA college football game against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Photo By Dave Martin/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) reacts as he and teammates celebrate a win over top ranked Alabama during an NCAA college football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. Texas A&M won 29-24. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Photo By Dave Martin/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) watches the action from the bench during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Alabama at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012. Texas A&M won 29-24. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

Photo By Rogelio V. Solis/AP

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks up at the official to see if he is credited with a touchdown or a fumble against Mississippi State in the third quarter of their NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. Manziel was credited with the fumble as Mississippi State recovered in the end zone for a touchback. Texas A&M won 38-13. (Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press)

Photo By Rogelio V. Solis/AP

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel loses the ball as he tries for a 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter as Mississippi State linebacker Cameron Lawrence (10) stops him in the third quarter of their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. Manziel was credited with the fumble as Mississippi State recovered in the end zone for a touchback. Texas A&M won 38-13. (Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press)

Photo By Rogelio V. Solis/AP

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks for an open receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. Texas A&M won 38-13. (Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies reacts to a touchdown against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies drops back to pass against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies is pressured by Dee Arrington #38 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies avoids a tackle by Cameron Lawrence #10 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies leaps into the endzone during a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies greets fans following a victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies avoids a tackle by Denico Autry #90 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium on November 3, 2012 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Stacy Revere / Getty Images)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) joins teammates as they sing the school chant with a yell leader after their 38-13 win against Mississippi State in their NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. (Rogelio V. Solis / Associated Press)

Photo By Rogelio V. Solis/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks for an open receiver during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi State in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. Texas A&M won 38-13. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs past Mississippi State defensive lineman Kaleb Eulls (92) and other defenders for a touchdown in the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in Starkville, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) walks off the field after defeating Auburn 63-21 in an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates after his team scored a touchdown against Auburn during the second half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs in for a touchdown past Auburn defensive back Demetruce McNeal (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs in for a touchdown past Auburn defensive back Demetruce McNeal during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Associated Press)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) dives for the end zone for a touchdown past Auburn linebacker Cassanova McKinzy (30) and Auburn linebacker Daren Bates (25) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill) (Associated Press)

Photo By Butch Dill/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) runs in for a touchdown past Auburn defensive back Demetruce McNeal (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012, in Auburn, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

LSU linebacker Kevin Minter, forces Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel to scramble and throw an incomplete pass during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station. LSU won 24-19.

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks for a receiver under pressure from LSU during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas. LSU won 24-19. (AP Photo/Eric Kayne)

Johnny Manziel of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates a touchdown against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field on October 20, 2012 in College Station, Texas.

Photo By Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Christine Michael (33) and Johnny Manziel (2) of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrate a touchdown against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field on October 20, 2012 in College Station, Texas.

Photo By Eric Kayne/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws under pressure from LSU cornerback Jalen Mills (28) during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Kayne)

Photo By Eric Kayne/Associated Press

Texas A&M running back Christine Michael (33) and quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrate a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against LSU, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Kayne)

Photo By Eric Kayne/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws against LSU during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station, Texas. LSU won 24-19. (AP Photo/Eric Kayne)

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel looks to the LSU band and it's fans as he walks off the field after loosing to LSU 24-19, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, in College Station.

Photo By Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Johnny Manziel (2) of the Texas A&M Aggies throws against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field on October 20, 2012 in College Station, Texas.

Photo By Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Johnny Manziel of the Texas A&M Aggies throws against the LSU Tigers at Kyle Field on October 20, 2012 in College Station, Texas.

OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 06: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies reacts to a call during a game against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 6, 2012 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 06: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies stiff arms LaKedrick King #28 of the Ole Miss Rebels during a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 6, 2012 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

OXFORD, MS - OCTOBER 06: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies is tackled by LaKedrick King #28 of the Ole Miss Rebels during a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on October 6, 2012 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Photo By Pat Sullivan/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, right, is tackled by Arkansas 's A.J. Turner during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M passes against Arkansas at Kyle Field on Sept. 29, 2012 in College Station. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M passes against Arkansas at Kyle Field on Sept. 29, 2012 in College Station. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M celebrates a touchdown against Arkansas at Kyle Field on Sept. 29, 2012 in College Station. (Ronald Martinez / Getty Images)

Photo By Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Kyle Field on September 29, 2012 in College Station, Texas.

Photo By Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

COLLEGE STATION, TX - SEPTEMBER 29: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Texas A&M Aggies celebrates a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Kyle Field on September 29, 2012 in College Station, Texas.

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates signing the Aggie War Hymm with the rest of his team after winning against Arkansas 58-10 of a college football game at Kyle Field, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station. Texas A&M beat Arkansas 58-10. ( Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter of a college football game at Kyle Field, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station. Texas A&M beat Arkansas 58-10.

Arkansas quarterback Johnny Manziel throws a pass during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against the Arkansas Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Photo By Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles on his way to a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a college football game at Kyle Field, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station. Texas A&M beat Arkansas 58-10.

Photo By Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) drops back to pass in the fourth quarter of a college football game at Kyle Field, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station. Texas A&M beat Arkansas 58-10.

Photo By Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles during the first quarter of a college football game at Kyle Field, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station.

Photo By Pat Sullivan/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2)during the first half of an NCAA college football game against the Arkansas Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, in College Station, Texas. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) breaks away from the South Carolina State University defense for a touchdown during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, in College Station. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks around as he breaks away for a touchdown during the second quarter of a NCAA football game against South Carolina State University, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, in College Station. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws the ball to an open receiver in the South Carolina State University defense during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, in College Station. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) looks around as he breaks away for a touchdown during the second quarter of a NCAA football game against South Carolina State University, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, in College Station.

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) jumps into offensive linesman Luke Joeckel's (76) arms after scoring his second touchdown of the second quarter of a NCAA football game against South Carolina State University, Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012, in College Station. ( Nick de la Torre / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is lifted by offensive linesman Luke Joeckel (76) in celebration of a touchdown run during the second half of an NCAA football game against Southern Methodist at Ford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, in Dallas. Texas A&M won the game 48-3.( Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle ) (Houston Chronicle)

Photo By Smiley N. Pool/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) fires a touchdown pass to wide receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu during the second quarter of an NCAA football game against Southern Methodist at Ford Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012, in Dallas.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scrambles to find an open receiver during the first quarter of a NCAA football game against the University of Florida, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass as Florida linebacker Antonio Morrison (12) defends during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M begins a new era with its first Southeastern Conference game after leaving the Big 12 Conference. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Photo By Dave Einsel/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass against Florida during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M begins a new era with its first Southeastern Conference game after leaving the Big 12 Conference. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Photo By David J. Phillip/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) rushes for a first down as Florida defensive back Josh Evans (9) hits him during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M begins a new era with its first Southeastern Conference game after leaving the Big 12 Conference. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

Photo By Dave Einsel/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) throws a pass against Florida during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M begins a new era with its first Southeastern Conference game after leaving the Big 12 Conference. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Photo By Dave Einsel/Associated Press

Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is lifted by Nehemiah Hicks (81) after rushing for a touchdown against Florida during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, in College Station, Texas. Texas A&M begins a new era with its first Southeastern Conference game after leaving the Big 12 Conference. (AP Photo/Dave Einsel)

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

University of Florida defensive lineman Dominique Easley (2) meets Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) at the line on a quarterback sneak during the second quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) is forced to scramble as the University of Florida collapses on him during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Kyle Field in College Station. The University of Florida won 20-17.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) scores a touchdown on a boot leg during the second quarter of a NCAA football game against University of Florida, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) salutes the crowd after he scores a touchdown on a boot leg during the second quarter of a NCAA football game against University of Florida, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Kyle Field in College Station.

Photo By Nick de la Torre/Houston Chronicle

University of Florida defensive lineman Jonathan Bullard (90) tackles Texas A&M University quarterback Johnny Manziel (2) during the fourth quarter of a NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, at Kyle Field in College Station. The University of Florida won 20-17.

HOUSTON — Johnny Manziel's Heisman Trophy candidacy is a fine mixture of personality, system, team and talent that is unique in this particular calendar year but typical of every other Lone Star Heisman campaign of the past nine decades.

From its first Heisman recipient — TCU's Davey O'Brien in 1938, the fourth year the trophy was awarded — to its most recent honoree — Baylor's Robert Griffin III last season — the 10 winners associated with Texas high school and major college football each have set records, inspired nicknames or won championships en route to Heisman glory.

The unique element of Manziel's journey is that most of those elements have come his way so quickly.

“Everything lined up right for him,” said Andre Ware, the 1989 winner for the University of Houston. “I am in awe of what A&M was able to accomplish in the first year in the Southeastern Conference. You benefit when things happen, but you still have to go out and do it, and all the stars have aligned for him.”

Of all the factors that have worked in his favor, the system in which Manziel plays may be his greatest ally thus far. As spread offenses and seven-on-seven summer ball have transformed Texas football in the last decade, so has the profile changed among the 67 Texas high school products that have finished in the top 10 of the Heisman voting since 1936. That was the first year balloting was opened to players west of the Mississippi River.

From 1968-80, the height of the wishbone era, eight Texas running backs cracked the top 10. Two won the award — Earl Campbell in 1977 and Billy Sims in 1978.

Since 2000, 12 quarterbacks from Texas have made the top 10. Griffin was last year's winner, and Manziel could make it two in a row Saturday.

Ware sees an unexpected parallel between his Heisman season and Manziel's performance this year: the quirks of fate that can range from man-made (UH's late 1980s probation) in his case to the vagaries of weather (the Hurricane Isaac-related delay in A&M's season opener against Louisiana Tech) in Manziel's case.

Ware said UH's absence from live TV because of NCAA rules violations ensured that people paid more attention to replays of the Cougars' games in 1989.

“It magnified the attention, if that makes sense,” he said.

Like Manziel, Ware said he also benefited from lack of preseason Heisman hype.

“Look at all the pressure that was on (West Virginia quarterback) Geno Smith,” Ware said. “Andrew Luck, the year before that, had enormous attention. Sometimes, players who are under the radar benefit.”

One of the most famous pictures in Texas football lore is of the A&M defense surrounding Bo Jackson of Auburn during the Aggies' 36-16 Cotton Bowl win a few weeks after Jackson won the 1985 Heisman.

Two years later, A&M stymied Notre Dame's Tim Brown in a 35-10 Cotton Bowl victory. And in 1990, Heisman winner Ty Detmer of BYU suffered two separated shoulders in a 65-14 pounding by the Aggies in the Holiday Bowl.

Winning the Heisman, it seems, does not necessarily guarantee that the season will end on a satisfying note.